Jaguars help enhance public safety, improve stadium access for fans

The game day experience just got more restrictive. What you can and cannot bring to a Jaguars games is about to change. 3 The National Football League says it wants to make stadiums safer... so it will no longer allow fans to bring most purses and bags inside. Channel 4's Kristen Cosby is joining us from the Newsroom with what's IN... and what's OUT ... on game day....Kristen? 3 3 It will be an adjustment for most ladies... Big purses at Everbank Field are out... And clutch purses and clear ziplock bags are in. 3 00-0524-2728-4046-50 Pack light or pack for all to see... Those are your options this coming football season. To make stadiums safer, the National Football League is implementing a new policy on the size and types of bags you can bring into the stadium. Bags must be clutch sized... Small or large ziploc bags ... Or a clear plastic hand bag no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches. The NFL said this new policy will help security lines move faster and keep everyone safer. The league adopted the new rules partly because of the Boston Marathon bombing... And fans seem to understand the need for the new rules. 3 3 Bags needed for special medical attention will be allowed into the stadium, but must be inspected first. 3 Kristen, you mentioned camera bags aren't allowed... but what about cameras?Cameras are still allowed, just not in a bag, so are binoculars and cell phones.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -

To provide a safer environment for the public and significantly expedite fan entry into EverBank Field, the Jaguars announced Friday an NFL policy that limits the size and type of bags that may be brought into the stadium.

The NFL Committee on Stadium Security in May unanimously recommended the implementation of this measure that will enhance public safety and make it easier for fans to gain access in all stadiums. It was discussed with all clubs at the May league meeting and will be implemented at all NFL stadiums beginning with preseason games.

The Jaguars strongly encourage fans to not bring any type of bags, but outlined what is permissible. Fans will be able to carry the following style and size bag, package, or container at stadium plaza areas, stadium gates, or when approaching queue lines of fans awaiting entry into the stadium:

Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12." (Official NFL team logo clear plastic tote bags are available through club merchandise outlets or at nflshop.com).

One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar).

Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap, may be carried into the stadium along with one of the clear bag options.

An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at a gate designated for this purpose.

Prohibited items include, but are not limited to: purses larger than a clutch bag, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, luggage of any kind, seat cushions, computer bags and camera bags or any bag larger than the permissible size.

"We agree with the league's efforts to make sure the game day experience is safe and as convenient as possible," Jaguars President Mark Lamping said. "This policy will expedite fans' entrance into the stadium on game day while maintaining the security and safety for everyone."

Fans will continue to be able to enjoy their tailgate activities in the parking lots and to do so with greater safety and the knowledge that their entry into the stadium will be smoother and faster.

"If I go to a football game, I'd want to be safe, so it's not really that big of an issue," Jaguars fan Tere Smith said.

In recent years the Jaguars have enhanced the already comprehensive safety plans with the additional measures such as pat downs, bag checks and metal detectors.

"Our fans deserve to be in a safe and secure environment," said Jeffrey Miller, NFL vice president and chief security officer. "Public safety is our top priority. This will make the job of checking items much more efficient and effective. We will be able to deliver a better and quicker experience at the gates and also provide a safer environment. We appreciate our fans' cooperation."

This public safety measure is being successfully used at other large venues. The University of Michigan, Penn State University and Michigan State University do not permit any bags, while the TD Garden in Boston only permits clutch bags.

Working personnel, including media, will continue to enter NFL stadiums through designated gates where they will be subject to screening and bag inspections already in effect at all stadiums.

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